Amended plans have been put forward for an offshore windfarm off the north Wales coast, cutting the area where turbines would be built by 20%.

Npower renewables said it would mean a "significant reduction in the visual impact" of the Gwynt y Mor scheme.

The proposals for 200 turbines about 15km (nine miles) off Llandudno have run into opposition, and First Minister Rhodri Morgan wants a public inquiry.

Work would begin in 2010 if approved by the Department of Trade and Industry.

We appreciate that the visual impact of the wind farm is a concern for some. As such we have taken steps to reduce this significantly

Mark Legerton, Npower renewables

Npower renewables, which submitted its initial application in November 2005, has said the development would generate enough electricity for 500,000 homes, and prevent about two million tonnes of carbon dioxide being released each year.

A protest group called Save Our Scenery has claimed it would spoil the area, although there have also been demonstrations in favour.

The call for a public inquiry was made by Mr Morgan shortly before the Welsh assembly election in May.

Conservatives said they also wanted an inquiry, and both Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats said during the campaign that the final decision should be devolved to the assembly, rather than made by the DTI.

There have been protests for and against the proposals

The developer is now submitting revised plans to the UK government and other organisations, along with new environmental information.

The firm said it had responded to consultation by carrying out extra work "to clarify the potential environmental effects of the project and the measures which can be taken to minimise them".

Npower said its further design work would reduce the effect on the view at a points, including those from Conwy mountain, and at Llandudno from the Great Orme and the promenade.

Mark Legerton, the company's offshore development manager, said: "We appreciate that the visual impact of the wind farm is a concern for some.

"As such we have taken steps to reduce this significantly by making the area in which the turbines will be built 20% smaller than was originally proposed.

"The decision-makers should now have all of the information that they need to determine whether the project should be granted permission, and we hope that a decision will be made before the end of the year."

The new information will be sent to local councils across north Wales and Merseyside, as well as local MPs and AMs. It will be available for public viewing from Wednesday.

Npower said anyone who wanted a copy of an information leaflet or had comments or queries could e-mail gwyntymor@npower-renewables.com or contact Judith Roberts on 0151 648 0896.